Pre-Departure Day Easter Sunday.
Packing like mad, DH goes out to his car and runs back to tell my car has been in an accident quickly got dressed and went to look and sure enough someone has hit my car, damage to offside light and bumper and broken wheel axle. Called insurers who were excellent (Co-op) and they got the car picked up within 2 hours, reported damage to police and finished packing.
Departure Day Night at Gatwick Hotel Ramada Plaza Easter Monday
Up nice and early, packing all complete, just bummed around until it was time to leave for the hotel well actually I stripped beds, washed towels and hovered like crazy. Set off in DHs car for Gatwick and twilight check in. Arrived at Gatwick at 3.00pm, parked car and made our way to check in desk. Everything was set up and there was no queue. At least we would be first through. Virgin were excellent, they didnt officially start until 3.30 but waived us straight through and we were heading back to the car by 3.10pm and off for a meal. Checked into Ramada Plaza at 5.30pm and enjoyed a quiet night in watching the planes taking off and landing in the distance.
Off to Orlando Tuesday 22nd April
Up and out of hotel by 08.00am. Took car to secure parking area and caught coach to airport. Had good breakfast at Wetherspoons and wandered around shops for 90mins. Went through to departure lounge and checked out Duty Free shops until flight was called. Flight loaded up pretty quickly despite extra security checks and was absolutely heaving we were so glad we checked in the day before. Took off on time 12.25pm. Fairly uncomfortable trip as everyone wide-awake and lots of noise from crying kiddies on plane. Food not all that and really old movies. I think Virgin is on some sort of cut back operation as the films had all been shown in the cinema and in some cases were already on video.
Arrived in Orlando at 16.20 local time. Major security checks, sniffer dogs and everyone, including children, had to have their shoes x-rayed. Bit odd this, as we were on the ground and had already flown thousands of miles, but this is the USA! Went through more security and finally arrived out other side to catch transfer coach. Reached hotel, Quality Inn, at around 18.00hrs. Checked in, had quick shower and went out to find something to eat by this time my body clock is on UK 01.00am, but DH couldnt resist eating Popeyes.
Off to bed and good sleep until 04.00am, but managed to dose off again until 06.00am, then up, breakfast in hotel and off to welcome meeting.
Days 2 4
Welcome meeting quite tedious, good thing was Virgin Contact card for $15 allowing 45 minutes talk time to UK. Waste of money was Virgin Kids eat free = too limiting and cost $15 (we only used it once for a $4.99 kids meal at Ming Court). Purchased tickets to dinner shows, Arabian Knights, my choice and Pirates (DH and DDs choice). Also bought a trip to Naples/Everglades and arranged all our pick-ups to the parks as we had pre-bought a 5 day hopper plus pass. Virgin rep was not very forthcoming and only gave us an overall cost for our purchases which came to $977.00 when tickets were printed we had been charged $18 for each drop and pick up from the parks which wasnt clarified by the rep until we had paid, so I felt a bit cheated as we hadnt had time to suss out what transport the hotel offered. As it was there was a local charge to Disney, but we never discovered if we could have saved using the hotel transport.
Once welcome meeting over all together we were in there for 2 hours, we headed off to Seaworld on the I-Ride.
Seaworld was heaving, but as awesome as ever. Thoroughly enjoyed my day there, only downside was didnt make it to Artic Adventure as we went round the wrong way.
I-Ride back to hotel, nice hot shower and then out to eat. Later that evening my SIL came by and picked us up. We ended spending the night at their place.
Day 3 Woke up in BIL&SILs house, had a good breakfast and then went shopping Walmart for milk and soft drinks, Pointe Orlando for a mooch around and then back to Popeyes for more chicken and biscuits in the evening. Quick dip in pool and then early night ready for our first day at Disney.
Day 4 Magic Kingdom
Picked up by Mears transport at 8.15 whole day at MK. Had a lovely lunch in Liberty Square Tavern, the best meal and service of the trip then out to wait for parade. DD got to dance in the parade. Throughout the day she managed to get photos and autographs off all the main players. Rain started at about 5.00pm so we rang Mears and asked them to pick us up at 6.30 instead of 7.30 by this time I was knackered anyway. Back to hotel, shower and then for meal.
Days 5 7
Day 5 Epcot Picked up at 8.15, had intended to spend whole day at Epcot until 10.30pm to see Illuminations, however decided to cut day short and only stayed there until 3.30pm. DD not that enthused and of all the parks this is my least favourite. Early shower pool dip and then wander down I-Drive.
Day 6 Breakfast at Dennys (yum) and then took I-Ride down to Belz. Arrived at 11.00 and stayed there until 5.30pm. DH still cant believe I spent a whole day in a shopping centre, but as I keep trying to explain, it still wasnt long enough. He ended up asleep in the food court with all my bags at his feet whilst DD and I went up and down the various aisles. Belz was virtually empty all day so I had a wonderful time, did feel kinda guilty though as every shop we went into we were pounced upon and I usually ended up buying something just to get out.
Day 7 Hotel breakfast (yum yum) and then off to MGM at 8.15. Never been here before so enjoyed it. First ride Tower of terror and then Rock n Roller Coaster. Had good snack lunch, did all the shows and was ready to go when Mears came for us at 3.30pm. Pirates Dinner Adventure in the evening. Was told by Virgin rep we did not need transport for this as it was across the road. Took us 35 minutes to walk there in the early evening heat. Food was awful but show was quite good, but very rushed. They do 3 shows a day and we went to the early evening show at 6.30pm. The waiter was quite obnoxious and was practically whipping the plates out from under your nose. DD was selected to go up on stage towards the end of the show and he whipped her dessert away when she quite clearly hadnt finished. The other thing was I thought the food was very poor quality and badly presented. The drinks were awful too. It would have been much better to exclude the dinner, reduce the price of the ticket and let people concentrate on the show. To add insult to injury at the end of the show we were given what looked like a plastic ashtray. Bearing in mind how dark the arena is I had to really squint to read the wording which basically recommended a $5 tip per adult and $3 tip per child. On yer bike I thought, for such poor service, high ticket cost and lousy food there was no way we were going to leave a $13 dollar tip, so I wrote a note to this effect on a serviette and left it for Carlos to find when he finished clearing up. By my reckoning each waiter would, if everyone complied, make over $100 in tips per show.
Day 8 Everglades/Naples Adventure
Picked up by Gator tours at 06.30am. Lovely guides/drivers named Frank and Odey. Set off for our airboat ride in Seminole County, managed to catch some sleep on the journey, bu they did have Shrek playing on the coach for those who wanted to stay awake. Arrived at Billie Swamp Safaris about 11.30am. Airboat ride lasted 25 minutes and then we took the optional Swamp Buggy ride at $14 per adult $12 per child. This was well worth the money as it lasted around 45 minutes and we had a lovely guide called Jessie. Saw the biggest alligator in captivity and DH videoed the whole experience. After leaving Billies we headed back to coach for our journey down to the Naples Princess. Boarded the boat and had a tour of luxury houses and hours journey out into Gulf of Mexico. Weather very hot and humid, but bearable. Back to coah for 30 min drive to Vanderbilt hotel were we were given clean towels and $10 meal voucher per person $5 per child for the hotels restaurants/bars. Two hours to relax on the private beach and grab some dinner. Then back onto coach for trip back to Orlando. Arrived back at hotel at 11.00pm. This trip was well worth the money, cost us $99/$79 adult/child, but we got $25 back in meal vouchers. Tipping for guide/driver was recommended at $2/$1 adult/child, a far cry from the Pirates recommendation and we were happy to tip both guides $10 each as we were so impressed with the trip.
Well knackered after this trip and on return we learnt it had been raining heavily for most of the day in Orlando and we hadnt seen a drop.
Day 9 Arabian Knights Dinner Show
Started the day off with breakfast at Dennys and then a trip to the Premium Mall. Spent most of the morning and early afternoon there before heading back to hotel for coach to collect us for dinner show. Another disappointment on the food front but the hsow as ok and we got up close to the horses at the end. My other criticism of these shows is they are all fairly short in length. This show/transport there and back cost $167 (£109 approx). We spent £105 for 3 tickets to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang here in London and even though no food was included the show was faultless and state of the art. The Orlando dinner shows are cheap and cheerful and far too expensive. IMO dont bother with them unless you are really stuck for something to do.
Day 10 Animal Kingdom
Picked up by Mears at 8.15 after hotel breakfast spent day at AK, which was quite empty when we arrived so we were able to get on Kilamanjaro Safari and Kali River Rapids with ease. It rained steadily until lunchtime though so we were sodden and my sandals were squeaking throughout the day. Sun came out in afternoon and we watched the parade before finishing our day off in Its a Bugs Life, IMO one of the best 3D shows of the trip (and I did them all). Picked up by Mears on time at 5.30, back to hotel. DD & DH went to pool and then we showered and went out to Ming Court for a lovely Chinese meal.
Day 11 Belz (again) & time with Family
Breakfast at Ihop (yuk), I-Ride to Belz for last minute Gap bargains. SIL picked us up at lunchtime, back to Walmarts, BILs restaurant for dinner and then quick trip to Florida Mall and off to visit family friends. Had to purchase new suitcase today or would have had to leave most of my shopping behind, including the 7 pairs of new trainers we had bought. Arrived back at hotel at midnight and then spent 2 hours packing we are going home tomorrow.
Day 12 Last Day (Saturday 3rd)
Breakfast for last time at Dennys (we all have at least 7lbs extra baggage to shift when we get home). Checked out on time and left all 7 bags in hotel luggage room. SIL came to get us and we went out to check out a new car she is thinking of buying. Spent remainder of afternoon at BILs restaurant where he filled our bellies with some wonderful food ready for the flight home. Got back to hotel at 4.45pm, coach arrived to collect us for airport at 4.55pm. Checked in, no problems, although the Virgin guy forgot to remove the green card stubs from my passport and I didnt notice until I got home (aaarghhhh, maybe we will be barred from USA forever?) Plane left on time and despite turbulence and horrid old films i.e Two Weeks Notice, Daredevil, Catch me if you Can we had a good journey and managed to catch some sleep.
Back Home Sunday 4th May
Easy progress through customs at Gatwick and out to catch courtesy coach back to car. Picked car up, loaded up bags and arrived home at 12.30pm tired but happy. Managed to unpack and wash that day as only had Bank Holiday Monday off before going back to work. DH treated us out to a meal that evening at Nandos. Went to bed dreaming of Florida skies.
Good news on car front, it had been repaired and was ready to collect and do you know I'd completely forgotten it had been damaged in the first place!
Packing like mad, DH goes out to his car and runs back to tell my car has been in an accident quickly got dressed and went to look and sure enough someone has hit my car, damage to offside light and bumper and broken wheel axle. Called insurers who were excellent (Co-op) and they got the car picked up within 2 hours, reported damage to police and finished packing.
Departure Day Night at Gatwick Hotel Ramada Plaza Easter Monday
Up nice and early, packing all complete, just bummed around until it was time to leave for the hotel well actually I stripped beds, washed towels and hovered like crazy. Set off in DHs car for Gatwick and twilight check in. Arrived at Gatwick at 3.00pm, parked car and made our way to check in desk. Everything was set up and there was no queue. At least we would be first through. Virgin were excellent, they didnt officially start until 3.30 but waived us straight through and we were heading back to the car by 3.10pm and off for a meal. Checked into Ramada Plaza at 5.30pm and enjoyed a quiet night in watching the planes taking off and landing in the distance.
Off to Orlando Tuesday 22nd April
Up and out of hotel by 08.00am. Took car to secure parking area and caught coach to airport. Had good breakfast at Wetherspoons and wandered around shops for 90mins. Went through to departure lounge and checked out Duty Free shops until flight was called. Flight loaded up pretty quickly despite extra security checks and was absolutely heaving we were so glad we checked in the day before. Took off on time 12.25pm. Fairly uncomfortable trip as everyone wide-awake and lots of noise from crying kiddies on plane. Food not all that and really old movies. I think Virgin is on some sort of cut back operation as the films had all been shown in the cinema and in some cases were already on video.
Arrived in Orlando at 16.20 local time. Major security checks, sniffer dogs and everyone, including children, had to have their shoes x-rayed. Bit odd this, as we were on the ground and had already flown thousands of miles, but this is the USA! Went through more security and finally arrived out other side to catch transfer coach. Reached hotel, Quality Inn, at around 18.00hrs. Checked in, had quick shower and went out to find something to eat by this time my body clock is on UK 01.00am, but DH couldnt resist eating Popeyes.
Off to bed and good sleep until 04.00am, but managed to dose off again until 06.00am, then up, breakfast in hotel and off to welcome meeting.
Days 2 4
Welcome meeting quite tedious, good thing was Virgin Contact card for $15 allowing 45 minutes talk time to UK. Waste of money was Virgin Kids eat free = too limiting and cost $15 (we only used it once for a $4.99 kids meal at Ming Court). Purchased tickets to dinner shows, Arabian Knights, my choice and Pirates (DH and DDs choice). Also bought a trip to Naples/Everglades and arranged all our pick-ups to the parks as we had pre-bought a 5 day hopper plus pass. Virgin rep was not very forthcoming and only gave us an overall cost for our purchases which came to $977.00 when tickets were printed we had been charged $18 for each drop and pick up from the parks which wasnt clarified by the rep until we had paid, so I felt a bit cheated as we hadnt had time to suss out what transport the hotel offered. As it was there was a local charge to Disney, but we never discovered if we could have saved using the hotel transport.
Once welcome meeting over all together we were in there for 2 hours, we headed off to Seaworld on the I-Ride.
Seaworld was heaving, but as awesome as ever. Thoroughly enjoyed my day there, only downside was didnt make it to Artic Adventure as we went round the wrong way.
I-Ride back to hotel, nice hot shower and then out to eat. Later that evening my SIL came by and picked us up. We ended spending the night at their place.
Day 3 Woke up in BIL&SILs house, had a good breakfast and then went shopping Walmart for milk and soft drinks, Pointe Orlando for a mooch around and then back to Popeyes for more chicken and biscuits in the evening. Quick dip in pool and then early night ready for our first day at Disney.
Day 4 Magic Kingdom
Picked up by Mears transport at 8.15 whole day at MK. Had a lovely lunch in Liberty Square Tavern, the best meal and service of the trip then out to wait for parade. DD got to dance in the parade. Throughout the day she managed to get photos and autographs off all the main players. Rain started at about 5.00pm so we rang Mears and asked them to pick us up at 6.30 instead of 7.30 by this time I was knackered anyway. Back to hotel, shower and then for meal.
Days 5 7
Day 5 Epcot Picked up at 8.15, had intended to spend whole day at Epcot until 10.30pm to see Illuminations, however decided to cut day short and only stayed there until 3.30pm. DD not that enthused and of all the parks this is my least favourite. Early shower pool dip and then wander down I-Drive.
Day 6 Breakfast at Dennys (yum) and then took I-Ride down to Belz. Arrived at 11.00 and stayed there until 5.30pm. DH still cant believe I spent a whole day in a shopping centre, but as I keep trying to explain, it still wasnt long enough. He ended up asleep in the food court with all my bags at his feet whilst DD and I went up and down the various aisles. Belz was virtually empty all day so I had a wonderful time, did feel kinda guilty though as every shop we went into we were pounced upon and I usually ended up buying something just to get out.
Day 7 Hotel breakfast (yum yum) and then off to MGM at 8.15. Never been here before so enjoyed it. First ride Tower of terror and then Rock n Roller Coaster. Had good snack lunch, did all the shows and was ready to go when Mears came for us at 3.30pm. Pirates Dinner Adventure in the evening. Was told by Virgin rep we did not need transport for this as it was across the road. Took us 35 minutes to walk there in the early evening heat. Food was awful but show was quite good, but very rushed. They do 3 shows a day and we went to the early evening show at 6.30pm. The waiter was quite obnoxious and was practically whipping the plates out from under your nose. DD was selected to go up on stage towards the end of the show and he whipped her dessert away when she quite clearly hadnt finished. The other thing was I thought the food was very poor quality and badly presented. The drinks were awful too. It would have been much better to exclude the dinner, reduce the price of the ticket and let people concentrate on the show. To add insult to injury at the end of the show we were given what looked like a plastic ashtray. Bearing in mind how dark the arena is I had to really squint to read the wording which basically recommended a $5 tip per adult and $3 tip per child. On yer bike I thought, for such poor service, high ticket cost and lousy food there was no way we were going to leave a $13 dollar tip, so I wrote a note to this effect on a serviette and left it for Carlos to find when he finished clearing up. By my reckoning each waiter would, if everyone complied, make over $100 in tips per show.
Day 8 Everglades/Naples Adventure
Picked up by Gator tours at 06.30am. Lovely guides/drivers named Frank and Odey. Set off for our airboat ride in Seminole County, managed to catch some sleep on the journey, bu they did have Shrek playing on the coach for those who wanted to stay awake. Arrived at Billie Swamp Safaris about 11.30am. Airboat ride lasted 25 minutes and then we took the optional Swamp Buggy ride at $14 per adult $12 per child. This was well worth the money as it lasted around 45 minutes and we had a lovely guide called Jessie. Saw the biggest alligator in captivity and DH videoed the whole experience. After leaving Billies we headed back to coach for our journey down to the Naples Princess. Boarded the boat and had a tour of luxury houses and hours journey out into Gulf of Mexico. Weather very hot and humid, but bearable. Back to coah for 30 min drive to Vanderbilt hotel were we were given clean towels and $10 meal voucher per person $5 per child for the hotels restaurants/bars. Two hours to relax on the private beach and grab some dinner. Then back onto coach for trip back to Orlando. Arrived back at hotel at 11.00pm. This trip was well worth the money, cost us $99/$79 adult/child, but we got $25 back in meal vouchers. Tipping for guide/driver was recommended at $2/$1 adult/child, a far cry from the Pirates recommendation and we were happy to tip both guides $10 each as we were so impressed with the trip.
Well knackered after this trip and on return we learnt it had been raining heavily for most of the day in Orlando and we hadnt seen a drop.
Day 9 Arabian Knights Dinner Show
Started the day off with breakfast at Dennys and then a trip to the Premium Mall. Spent most of the morning and early afternoon there before heading back to hotel for coach to collect us for dinner show. Another disappointment on the food front but the hsow as ok and we got up close to the horses at the end. My other criticism of these shows is they are all fairly short in length. This show/transport there and back cost $167 (£109 approx). We spent £105 for 3 tickets to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang here in London and even though no food was included the show was faultless and state of the art. The Orlando dinner shows are cheap and cheerful and far too expensive. IMO dont bother with them unless you are really stuck for something to do.
Day 10 Animal Kingdom
Picked up by Mears at 8.15 after hotel breakfast spent day at AK, which was quite empty when we arrived so we were able to get on Kilamanjaro Safari and Kali River Rapids with ease. It rained steadily until lunchtime though so we were sodden and my sandals were squeaking throughout the day. Sun came out in afternoon and we watched the parade before finishing our day off in Its a Bugs Life, IMO one of the best 3D shows of the trip (and I did them all). Picked up by Mears on time at 5.30, back to hotel. DD & DH went to pool and then we showered and went out to Ming Court for a lovely Chinese meal.
Day 11 Belz (again) & time with Family
Breakfast at Ihop (yuk), I-Ride to Belz for last minute Gap bargains. SIL picked us up at lunchtime, back to Walmarts, BILs restaurant for dinner and then quick trip to Florida Mall and off to visit family friends. Had to purchase new suitcase today or would have had to leave most of my shopping behind, including the 7 pairs of new trainers we had bought. Arrived back at hotel at midnight and then spent 2 hours packing we are going home tomorrow.
Day 12 Last Day (Saturday 3rd)
Breakfast for last time at Dennys (we all have at least 7lbs extra baggage to shift when we get home). Checked out on time and left all 7 bags in hotel luggage room. SIL came to get us and we went out to check out a new car she is thinking of buying. Spent remainder of afternoon at BILs restaurant where he filled our bellies with some wonderful food ready for the flight home. Got back to hotel at 4.45pm, coach arrived to collect us for airport at 4.55pm. Checked in, no problems, although the Virgin guy forgot to remove the green card stubs from my passport and I didnt notice until I got home (aaarghhhh, maybe we will be barred from USA forever?) Plane left on time and despite turbulence and horrid old films i.e Two Weeks Notice, Daredevil, Catch me if you Can we had a good journey and managed to catch some sleep.
Back Home Sunday 4th May
Easy progress through customs at Gatwick and out to catch courtesy coach back to car. Picked car up, loaded up bags and arrived home at 12.30pm tired but happy. Managed to unpack and wash that day as only had Bank Holiday Monday off before going back to work. DH treated us out to a meal that evening at Nandos. Went to bed dreaming of Florida skies.
Good news on car front, it had been repaired and was ready to collect and do you know I'd completely forgotten it had been damaged in the first place!
Sounds like you had a great time 
